Trevor Noah announces cancellation of Bengaluru shows citing 'technical issues', apologises
Mumbai (PTI): Popular comedian Trevor Noah, who is in India for a comedy tour, called off two stand-up shows in Bengaluru due to "technical issues" and apologised to the audience members for the inconvenience.
After three gigs in New Delhi last week, the 39-year-old comedian was scheduled to perform at the Manpho Convention Centre in Bengaluru on September 27 and 28 as part of his "Off The Record Tour".
A video clip on social media purportedly shows Noah apologising to the crowd that he won't be able to perform with "bad sound" and promised fans a refund.
Noah also took to his X account on Wednesday (September 27) night to make the announcement.
"Dear Bengaluru India, I was so looking forward to performing in your amazing city but due to technical issues we've been forced to cancel both shows. We tried everything but because the audience can't hear the comedians on stage there's literally no way to do a show," the Emmy Award-winning comedian wrote in the post.
The former "Daily Show" host assured all ticket holders will receive a "full refund". The tickets were priced, beginning from Rs 2000.
"... and again I'm so sorry for both the inconvenience and disappointment this has never happened to us before," he further said.
Online ticketing platform BookMyShow, producers and promoters of Noah's tour, issued a formal apology and promised a complete refund to ticket holders within "8-10 working days".
"Bengaluru, we are extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused at Trevor Noah's Off The Record show at Manpho Convention Centre on September 27th. The Bengaluru leg of the India Tour for both September 27th & 28th stands cancelled.
"All customers who purchased tickets for both shows will get a complete refund within 8-10 working days. We deeply regret this experience that our valuable customers faced and hope to be able to bring Trevor back to this amazing city at the earliest," the platform said in a statement shared early Thursday morning on X.
Social media users commented on Noah's post, with some saying Bengaluru played a "joke" on the comedian himself and others criticising the organisers for giving a bad name to the infrastructure of the city, known as the 'Silicon Valley of India'.
A section of netizens also claimed that the comedian got stranded in Bengaluru traffic and reached his own show late.
According to producers and promoters BookMyShow Live, Noah is next set to perform at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai on September 30 and October 1. This is his maiden trip to India.
That was @Trevornoah saying sound guys can’t figure out how to fix this. I won’t be able to perform like this. Sorry for the situation. He said everyone will get their money back. Just want to add, the venue didn’t even have proper bathrooms. Dei @bookmyshow pic.twitter.com/UXVEyRfNQq
— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) September 27, 2023
Dear Bengalaru India, I was so looking forward to performing in your amazing city but due to technical issues we’ve been forced to cancel both shows.
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) September 27, 2023
We tried everything but because the audience can’t hear the comedians on stage there’s literally no way to do a show. We’ll make…
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India vs Australia,1st Test: KL Rahul's controversial dismissal sparks outrage
Perth: Team India batter KL Rahul's dismissal during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on Friday has ignited a wave of frustration and debate among fans and pundits alike.
The controversy unfolded when Rahul, who was looking in decent touch, was dismissed for 26 following a review by the third umpire. Facing Mitchell Starc, Rahul moved forward to defend a delivery that angled across him. The ball passed closely to the bat and was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Initially, the on-field umpire ruled it not out, but Australia opted for a review, claiming a faint edge.
The review showed a spike on the Snicko, suggesting contact with the bat as the ball passed. However, the crucial front-on replay, which could have confirmed whether the sound came from the bat or the bat-pad contact, was inconclusive. Despite the ambiguity, the third umpire overturned the on-field not-out decision, citing the Snicko spike as sufficient evidence of an edge.
The Karnataka batter, visibly upset, flashed a wry smile before delivering a mouthful.
The dismissal sparked widespread outrage on social media, with fans calling the decision a "joke" and criticising the reliance on incomplete evidence. Many argued that the absence of a clear front-on angle should have led to the benefit of the doubt being given to the batter.
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer took to social media, questioning the use of technology and the third umpire’s decision. "Third umpire asked for another angle which wasn't provided. I'd assume he'd only ask for another angle if he wasn't sure. Then if he wasn't sure, why did he overturn the on field not out call? Poor use of technology and proper protocol not followed. KL hard done by," Jaffer wrote on X.
Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden also weighed in, expressing doubts over the Snicko reading. “His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes. It's (bat hitting pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad? We're assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not be the case," Hayden said on 7Cricket.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also criticised the decision, urging a more careful review process, especially when overturning the on-field umpire's call. He noted that there is no need to rush a decision when there are so many angles to review.
Meanwhile, Australian pacers dominated the Indian batting lineup as India were bowled out for 150 on Day 1 of the first Test.
"His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024
"It's (bat hitting pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad?
"We're assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not… pic.twitter.com/hvG0AF9rdo
